Vital vaccine she missed

MISS Harris did not know that her GP could have given her a vaccine that could have saved her life, her family said.

They are urging parents to make sure their teenagers have the MenACWY vaccine, which protects against four strains of meningococcal bacteria.

Her aunt, Fiona Scarlett, said: ‘Abi had had MenC vaccinations as a baby and pre-school but had been in the wrong age bracket for the ACWY vaccine – too old for the year 9/10 schedule and in year two of university. She (and we) were unaware it was available up to age 2 from the GP. It is devastating to know that had she been vaccinated, we would likely still have our gorgeous girl with us.’

As well as bacterial meningitis, there are other forms of the disease such as viral meningitis.